I have been playing cricket for over 20 years and this is the best cricket bat I have ever used. The middle is something else you only have to lean on your shot and the ball fly's off, it has thick edges but doesn't feel like a bit chunk of wood. I also love the handle shape it just feels great in you hands and has a oval shaped handle at the bottom. i would recomend this bat to anyone that wants a light bat but still packs plenty of power.